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Young House Love » Decorating » Halloween Decorating: Crows, Candles, Skull Photos & More

| By Sherry Petersik | October 12, 2010 | 140 Comments

Halloween Decorating: Crows, Candles, Skull Photos & More

Halloween is in just a few short weeks so we broke out the old creepy raven along with a bunch of other spook-tastic props from last year (see our big Halloween ’09 set up here). And other than springing for some candy for the kids in our neighborhood and some candy corn for ourselves we didn’t spend a dime (hindsight: candy corn is the worst- it’s basically just a stomach ache waiting to happen). Oh and we grabbed some $4 carnations too. So here’s the console table all decked out:

Halloween Console1

Nothing too fancy, just a piece of burlap as a casual runner with things like some eerily titled books that we dug up along with some feathers from last year and my new little white ceramic frog (further explained here). And of course there’s the bird, a faux antler candlestick, and the black votive from last year’s Halloween dealy-o.

Halloween Console 2

And see the photo above Mr Frog? Here’s the close up. John made us skulls in photoshop last year and we loved it so much we brought it out again this year. John’s cavernous hole-like eyes are so handsome.

Halloween Scary Wedding Pic

And can you tell what I shoved under that glass dome?

Halloween Console 3

Last year I stuffed a framed black silhouette of Burger in there, but this year I picked up some $4 white carnations and painted them black for a gloomy-ish look.

Halloween Console 5

Now we just have to resist the Three Musketeers and York Peppermint Patties instead of eating them all before the 31st. Honestly, that’s probably not going to happen.

Halloween Console 4

And here’s the coffee table full of faux pumpkins, round votive holders (I liked how they mimicked the shape of the pumpkins), and two vases with dried grasses for a little fall texture and height.

Halloween Coffee Table1

And see the dining table beyond our little pumpkin and candle fest?

Halloween Coffee Table2

That’s where I broke out the tummy torturing candy corn (maybe we just eat too much but it always makes us want to die about five minutes later) along with my spray painted faux gourds and Lumiere (the Beauty & The Beast-esque yellow spray painted candlestick from Goodwill).

Halloween Table 1

We also added three votive cups (also from Goodwill a few weeks back) with faux candles flickering inside of them and a manzanita branch for height and more of that seasonal stick-y vibe.

Halloween Table 2

I guess you could say our theme for this arrangement was bold lemon yellow (as seen in the candlestick, the two-toned metal cups, and that dastardly candy corn).

Halloween Table 3

So that’s how we added some “creepy” to our living room without spending any money (except for the aforementioned edible items and those white carnations that we painted).

Halloween Table 4

What are you guys doing to get your place Halloween ready? Is anyone with me on the candy corn is evil theory? Does everyone else have to buy two rounds of Halloween candy since they eat the first batch well before the 31st?

Psst- Wondering where we got our Halloween props above? Peep last year’s post for a full source rundown.

Pssssssst- Don’t forget to check out our weekly BabyCenter post, this time it’s about animal themes, from owls to rhinos and beyond.

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Filed Under: Decorating, Holiday & Entertaining, Our First House

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Comments

  1. Avatar for annaanna says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Love the yellow! I haven’t done anything Halloween-y yet…have to get on it.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for LettyLetty says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:53 am

    Love it! Understated, but still festive! And you had me cracking up over the “tummy torturing candy corn!” Haha… Maybe you had too much??

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Nota SupermomNota Supermom says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:53 am

    My decor consists mostly of child-made crafts. I think that’s what I like most about your blog. Beautiful things not made of construction paper and glitter. Not that I would trade.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for r8chelr8chel says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:55 am

    I’m surprised that you would put Halloween decor in your home when it’s on the market. So… I’m thinking maybe you’ve already accepted an offer on your house. Hmm.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for marisa @ vinyasa mamamarisa @ vinyasa mama says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Where did you get your faux antler candlestick? I’ve been looking for a pair of them for ages and can’t see to find and (affordable) set…

    LOVE the decorations!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 9:59 am

      Hey Marisa,

      That’s from West Elm a while back- maybe try ebay?

      xo,
      s

  6. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:59 am

    Wow, that photo of you and John with the skulls is creepy!

    Also, I’m thinking I need some manzanita branches to change up the glass hurricane on our dining room table (or maybe I can find more substantial ones in the backyard): http://hernandohouse.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/fall-foliage-update/

    Reply
  7. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I’ve never been into Halloween but I love fall decor. We don’t have the Halloween candy problem bacuse we don’t ever get trick or treaters :( Our driveway is way too long.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for ALittleBiteALittleBite says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I really like the coffee table setting not only for Halloween, but as fall decorations!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for brandtbrandt says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I really like the black on white for Halloween decorations, and as long as you all keep the 3 Musketeers well stocked, the kids on the block should be happy.

    And candy corn is deceptive. It doesn’t feel like you’ve eaten that much because they’re so small and don’t fill you up until 1/2 hour later when your holding your tummy groaning because of said-candy corn. Candy Corn = Evil.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Rachel @ The Avid AppetiteRachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Always love how you two are able to decorate for the holidays in such a chic way – no chinsy decorations! Love it, and can’t wait to implement some into my own condo!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for TheahTheah says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:08 am

    Can’t wait to see what you do next year when little hands can pull the burlap runner off the table and little hands can reach the breakables on the table. It has been a challenge this year for me with an agile, active 18 month old to be creative in my decorating but all be safe for my little one and safe for my things!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for mike @ the lil house that couldmike @ the lil house that could says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:09 am

    Love how the bird really stands out and grabs your eye immediately!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for ErinnErinn says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:10 am

    I haven’t done too much around the house except for our antique buffet-scape. Our buffet is my mantle since we don’t have a fireplace.
    http://mikeanderinnsbungalow.blogspot.com/2010/09/lil-punkins-make-me-so-happy.html

    Reply
  14. Avatar for JoannaJoanna says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:14 am

    An old friend used to mix candy corn with peanuts. Eat them together and it tastes just like a pay day candy bar. Yummy! (And a little protein to go with the pure sugar!)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:15 am

    We always have to do 2 batches of candy! The first one disappears…

    Reply
  16. Avatar for KathyKathy says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:16 am

    I totally agree that it makes no sense to buy Halloween candy early. It is always eaten (mostly by me) and we have to reload on the day of Trick-or-Treat. Oh, the creepy photoshopped picture of you guys as ghouls – ooohh! The rest is great, though. I love the raven!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for KrystaKrysta says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Do Clara and Burger have costumes already?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:18 am

      Hey Krista,

      Oh yes- we’ll definitely share those pics!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for Sugar CookieSugar Cookie says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Ugh, candy corn is the worst! My mom used to send me bags of it every year when I was in college, and even though I told her every year that I didn’t like candy corn, she kept sending it!! It looks good as part of your decor, though!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for KatherineKatherine says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:19 am

    Your pumpkin/candle set up is Halloween-chic! And I love that yellow candelabra :)

    Reply
  20. Avatar for StacyStacy says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:20 am

    I’m with you on the candy corn. I forget every year though, buy a bag, and eat half of it before I realize it was a big mistake.

    It’s part of the Halloween tradition.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Stacey@StuffbyStace[email protected] says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Holy shamoly…I can’t handle that skull picture and the white antler thingy. You’ve managed to creep me out, but still in a classy home decor kind of way. Way to go! ;)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for PeggyPeggy says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:25 am

    Yes, candy corn is evil. BUT the white part at the top is the best! There is great debate in our family about whether there is a difference in the taste and texture of the different colors. Of course, there is a big difference. Some people just don’t realize it ; ]

    Reply
  23. Avatar for KathleenKathleen says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:26 am

    Looks great! But I can’t help but say, you probably won’t be able to have all that stuff out next year with a little one roaming around :)

    Reply
  24. Avatar for E HayesE Hayes says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:27 am

    Love all the ‘spooky’ touches… I actually took a page out of your book and spray painted some gords for a centerpiece too :)

    I have some random questions about your table runner… 1. Where is your’s from, and where do you recommend picking one up that isn’t crazy expensive (nor shiny taffeta cheap looking)? and 2. do you prefer for table runners to hang over the table edge or lay on top within the perimeter? Our table is 66″ long with a leaf, and I’m not sure what size to get….. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:28 am

      Hey E Hayes,

      The runner on our dining room table is from Target (super cheap, like $8 or something!). We like runners that go around 5″ over each side, so maybe something 74″ – 78″ long would be good for your table.

      xo,
      s

  25. Avatar for susansusan says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:28 am

    I always love that entry way. So bright and cheery even with the black bird. Here’s a hint. Buy only Halloween candy that you hate. I have mini bags of pretzels and blow pops ready for the big night but won’t touch them no matter how long they sit out…………………

    Reply
  26. Avatar for kylakyla says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:28 am

    Mix in some salted peanuts to the candy corn to cut the sweetness….it’s super tasty!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for JMBJMB says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Love the decor as usual! Somewhat unrelated question for you…what is in the frame to the far right over your console table? It looks like a sketch, but I can’t quite make it out. New?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:29 am

      Hey JMB,

      That’s actually a sketch of our house’s lot (which is a line drawing with funny descriptions on it like “house is old”). We love it!

      xo,
      s

  28. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:29 am

    That is one spooky picture! Love the candles and pumpkins. I don’t know if you’ve answered this before, but how/where do you store all these decorations that you swap out? I have candle holders galore and I bring them out depending on my mood/season/etc that I currently keep in storage bins. Just wondering if you had any cool tricks or ideas for this. Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

      Hey Elizabeth,

      We have two armoires full of large tupperware bins in our basement where we house all of our seasonal decor. So helpful!

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for liz @ bon temps beignetliz @ bon temps beignet says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:29 am

    I love those flowers. I just finished my foyer…

    http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-foyer.html

    Reply
  30. Avatar for RebekahRebekah says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Just wondering (and kind of unrelated), but what is the book on your coffee table with the red sea coral on the cover?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

      Hey Rebekah,

      That’s The Cabinet Of Natural Curiosities. We found it for cheap at Barnes & Noble a while back ($20 or so).

      xo,
      s

  31. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Candy corn IS evil in that I eat soooooooooo much of it. But it is so delicious. Almost as delicious as (say it with me)…mellowcreme pumpkins! I am such a sucker for those. And I eat a ridiculous amount. Hence the evil.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

    OMG that picture of your wedding is seriously disturbing!! I love the guy in the background with the guitar though haha

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Jill S.Jill S. says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

    I agree with you on the candy corn. My hubby and I were just discussing the almost cult-ish love people have for that stuff. It’s the devil!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Karen JKaren J says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Love the changes! But I have a question … The dining table is your “main/only” eating spot, right? How do you EAT with all that cool stuff on there? I stopped decorating our dining table because I got tired of moving all the stuff to eat and clean the table. We usually eat breakfast/lunch on the breakfast bar so it was only ONCE a day and it annoyed me too much. We have two kids too though. I just have one extra large gourd shaped vase now because it isn’t too much of a hassle to move.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:33 am

      Hey Karen,

      We serve our dinners buffet style in the kitchen (load up our plates and bring them into the dining area) instead of bringing pots and pans of food out into the center of the table). So as long as we have room for plates and glasses on the sides of the table we’re all set!

      xo,
      s

  35. Avatar for DanaDana says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:33 am

    I skipped buying candy til its closer to the day (my hubby and I are terrible when candy is around). I’m not a huge candy corn fan but starbursts and anything with good chocolate and I’m a goner!

    Love the decor! Beautiful with a hint of creepy. My decor consists of DYI toilet roll pumpkins found on craftgossip and a ceramic pumpkin my mom gave me.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for JordanJordan says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I had to resist buying candy corn last time I was at the store. Don’t get me wrong I dig it, but like you said, I always want to die 5 minutes later! Candy corn will not be on my grocery list this month! I’ll stick with peanut m&ms and peppermint patties. Yum!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for gkgk says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:37 am

    cute (or should i say spooky?) set-up, but i LOVE candy corn. my favorite part of halloween. the key is to eat it slowly – take out a small handful at a time, then put the rest of the bag away. i eat maybe 3/4 of the bag by the time halloween’s over. mmm, candy corn.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for JylJyl says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:43 am

    We’re that house on the block that goes totally out of control crazypants for Halloween. Spooky music, lights, fog machine, props and jack o lanterns galore…

    This year’s theme is “Body Parts” I’m making a big sign slap on the roof and make the house look like an abandoned Auto body parts store, but it’s really dismembered people. Muah ha ha! “Harleysville Chop Shop: Our Parts Are All Over Town!”

    I promise we’ll be chic and sophisticated for Christmas though :)

    Reply
  39. Avatar for BrienBrien says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:48 am

    So happy to hear that someone else has the same candy corn problem as me! I bought a bag on Saturday and after making myself sick three days in a row, threw the half empty bag away yesterday. How can something so good make you feel so bad???!!!! The sad thing is…I can’t promise I won’t by another bag before halloween and repeat the same mistake.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:49 am

    I can’t quite tell – what is in the frame all the way on the right above the console table in the foyer? Is that plat for your property?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:50 am

      Hey Lisa,

      Yup, that’s actually a sketch of our house’s lot (which is a line drawing with funny descriptions on it like “house is old”). We love it!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for CarlyCarly says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I love your spooky halloween decorations! We did the white candlesticks with red dripping wax this year like you guys had up last October. Side note: I found this super cute website and wanted you to check it out https://eismandesign.com/ the pillows are so adorable!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for LarissaLarissa says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Frightening! (In a good way.)

    You guys should try candy corn paired with peanuts. The chewy sweet with the crunchy salty is absolute heaven! It’s my favorite fall indulgence.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for TinaTina says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:51 am

    I am a huge loser & I have a Halloween village! But I don’t care-its fun. Our twins b-day is in November & they get a Halloween costume party instead of a boring old b-day party! I can’t wait to post about it! I love your spooky decor by the way!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for KyleKyle says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:52 am

    I <3 candy corn but definitely in small doses, like when perching one atop the icing of halloweeny cupcakes. In fact, to avoid eating my candy corn this year so that I could save it for that purpose, I completely obliterated the chocolate I bought two weeks ago for the trick-or-treaters. Maybe next year I'll buy it on the 31st to save some $$ and some lbs :).

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Kate (and Ben)Kate (and Ben) says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:54 am

    I’m jealous. We typically start decorating for Halloween the day or weekend after Labor Day. And we go all out, not always pretty and Martha-esque the way you all do–totally creepy and gross and black skulls and whatnot. We’re total Halloween fiends. Unfortunately we’re trying to move and didn’t see the point of decorating now and then again taking down and decorating in the new place. So very sad.
    -K

    Reply
  46. Avatar for JohnnaJohnna says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:55 am

    If you are a candy corn loving people…you MUST try Carmel Apple Candy Corn…of course the same rule applies, but it is DELICIOUS!

    What is the picture framed all the way to the right? It looks like the Vitruvian Man?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 10:56 am

      Hey Johnna,

      That’s actually a sketch of our house’s lot (which is a line drawing with funny descriptions on it like “house is old”). We love it!

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:57 am

    No candy corn here. I’ve never liked it…which is a good thing as I have enough seasonal and everyday vices, thankyouverymuch ;o) I buy candy that won’t tempt me so I avoid the pre-Halloween “sampling”.

    I have a few Halloween items that I put out every year. Some lanterns, black glittered branches, pumpkins and candles. Nothing too complicated since I’m usually busy trying to make/find costumes for my three children.

    Reply
  48. Avatar for mariannemarianne says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:01 am

    Love it! I don’t know how you eat the candy corn. It’s so sweet it hurts my teeth!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for jennajenna says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:04 am

    Love the hallow-eyed photo… hilarious.

    Quick question for you. Beings your house is on the market do you show it with all the seasonal decorations up?? I guess for some seasons like spring it wouldn’t be bad, but just curious how you handle it with Halloween because it’s kind of specific. And I guess Christmas would be too if you decorate at all for that. Would love to hear your thoughts on showing a house around the holidays.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 11:04 am

      We actually plan to de-Halloween things a bit for our showings (so the dining table will probably stay as is but the coffee table and console table might get a bit less decorated).

      xo,
      s

  50. Avatar for JackieJackie says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Looks great! I noticed you leave out candy or nuts sometimes in your decor… any ants? I could never leave anything out. Also, what is Clara going to be for her first Halloween?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 12, 2010 at 11:06 am

      Hey Jackie,

      Nope, no ant problems thankfully so we can leave things out. As for Clara’s costume, we’ll share the pics so stay tuned…

      xo,
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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